Short for Statistical Analysis System, SAS is a set of integrated software tools that help decision makers cope with unwieldy amounts of unrelated data. It’s the primary product of North Carolina-based SAS Institute, self-described as the “leader in business analytics software.”

While SAS is its primary product, the company has developed a peripheral business around supporting and training SAS users. One user describes its value as

“empowering people with data to make effi cient, eff ective decisions earlier.” With Jim Goodnight at the helm, it’s gained an impressive roster of clients: 92 of the top 100 Fortune Global 500 companies, more than 45,000 businesses, universities, and government agencies, with customers in 121 diff erent countries. If you look below the surface, you’ll fi nd that Goodnight’s special approach to leadership is as great as the fi rm’s software.